Why can't we green our houses up a bit more like the Passive House (passivhaus in german)? As a country we can't seem to lessen our dependency on oil for the auto but we could look at the constructs of building homes and adapt to a better energy efficient home building model. Maybe it's just me but I'm not seeing much in the way of true energy efficient homes being built...somehow we are losing something for the future now and you know we have an influence here as realtors.
What is a true Passive House- besides being green in energy efficiency...
It has three requirements to meet:
-it's orientation for solar capture
-incredible insulation
-airtight
THAT IS IT
It reuses the heat it gives off which I can't technically explain but it's done mechanically plus it's ventilated as all air tight buildings must do. Basically a Passive House uses one third the kwh of what we consider an energy star house uses- now that's a bit more of green in houses than we are use to. Not bad energy efficiency but when it comes down to up front cost and bottom line- it's more dollars ...about 14% more to construct (can we relate that somehow to paying more for luxury cars in this country that depreciate as soon as you buy them)? As Americans we do tend to live for today still and enjoy the ostrich philosphy of our heads in the sand. Well the Mercedes Benz capitol of the world is Germany and they have the preponderance of passive houses perhaps 15,000 in number where we have about 20 in the United States. Surprise.
We all know builders who can make more of an effort to build more energy efficient homes...if we all could make a slight tilt towards greening up the newly built and renovated houses a bit more we might have a Passive House protocol developing in our our local areas soon. Think of it as a gift to give our children. Talk to a builder tomorrow about greening up our houses a bit more .
This blog © and its contents is original to Ginny Lacey Gorman
Ginny L. Gorman a purveyor of Fine Waterfront RI Real Estate
Specializing in waterfront, ocean front, vacation, coastal and luxury homes for sale in North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Narragansett, Jamestown, Charlestown, East Greenwich, Exeter, West Greenwich, Westerly RI and beyond ... I sell dreams! because there is no place like home...the RI Realtor in the Sparkly Red Shoes.
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cell: 401.529.7849 office: 401.884.4100 ext.268 Ginny Lacey Gorman, Realtor
